I thank you, Lord,
For the gift of this new day.
You created me out of love,
And only out of love;
You did not need me.

Thank you, Lord,
For the warmth of the sun on my skin
And the chill in the air,
Which spurs me out of lazy inactivity.

Thank you for genuine friendship,
For without it life would be truly dreary.

Thank you, Lord,
For the people who somehow annoy me,
For they teach me unconditional love.

Someday, Lord,
I may be able to genuinely thank you
For those who have deeply hurt me,
For by Your grace,
And only by Your grace,
They have made me stronger,
More compassionate,
And able to empathize with others’ hurt.

Thank you, Lord,
For your patience with me, a sinner.

Thank you, Lord,
For all the hurts, trials, sufferings,
Annoyances, discomfort,
Awkwardness and shame;
For without these
I may never have looked for You,
And been complacent in my comfort.